LIFE-SAVING

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 83, Issue 254, 27 October 1939, Page 4

LIFE-SAVING

ROYAL SOCIETY DOMINION COUNCIL ; ANNUAL MEETING HELD. I The progress of the work of the Royal Life-Saving Society in New' Zealand was reviewed at thf annual meeting of the New Zealand Council, held in Wellington on Saturday, Mr. D. G. Griffiths vice-president) presided. and the following branch representatives were present Auckland, Messrs. Alan Gardner and D. J. F. Langley; Canterbury, Mr. C. F. Barnett; Hawke’s Bay. Messrs. Ireland and K. Bryant; Manawatu, Messrs. Alan Stevenson and K. B. Dawkins; Otago, Messrs. D. G. Bannatyne and B. Simonsen; Taranaki, Mr. F. J. Hggleton; Wanganui, Messrs. W. B. Broadhead and W. Sampson; Wellington, Messrs. J. L. Dighton and E. Emerson. New Zealand Surf Lifesaving Association representatives: Messrs. V. Allan and N. A. Ingram. The annual report stated that although the total number of awards granted by the society in Now Zealand during the year ended May 31, 1939, was 183 short of last year’s record, it compared more than favourably with the totals for the years before that. At the commencement of the season here was every indication that a further record would be set, but. weather unfavourable to swimming activities was experienced until February. During the past 10 years nearly 50,000 awards for life-saving ability had been made by the council and the eight branches in the 1 Dominion. Rigid Conditions. Awards were made only after candidates had undergone the necessary training and had satisfied the society’s examiners of their ability, not only to save life from drowning, but also to restore the apparently drowned to life. The rigid conditions of examination laid down in the society’s handbook had been strictly enforced, even though that had made it necessary on several occasions for examiners to fail more than half of the class brought before them for examination. “It is significant that, over 90 per cent, of these awards have been made to pupils of the Dominion’s schools and colleges and to students at the teachers’ training colleges,” the report continued. “The greatest credit is due to those teachers who have been responsible for most of this work, but although we are pleased to record a continued and increased activity in this sphere, we feel that swimming clubs and other physical training organisations are neglecting an important phase of their work.” The financial statement again disclosed a fairly satisfactory position, due chiefly to a grant of £lOO from the Government, though the credit balance £165 19s 7d) was largely offset by a liability in respect of stock ordered but not yet received. Government's Grant. A general discussion took place concerning the Government’s grant. Mr. Langley asked why the grant, was so small, compared with amounts given to other societies. The chairman said the coucil regretted that the amount was not larger so that. it. would enable the socle,y to assist various branches and go ahead with various schemes for furthering the work. It was originally proposed to use the money to provide films for educational service and to purchase further supplies of handbooks. Two films were obtained from London, but they were unsuitable. II had also been hoped to provide from ' the grant, funds lo enable some form of permanent secretaryshi > lo be p.’o- ■ vided. Mr. Ingram said that the balancesheet did not show that the Govcrn- ’ ment’s money was being used lo further the objects of the soc'f 'ty, and until the uses for which the money was required were disclosed there • would be little hope of obtaining an 5 additional amount. “You give nothing > away,’ ’he said. 'The smallest certificate costs threepence, sixpence, or a 1 shilling as the case may he. Unless ■ you can show the Government, how you can show the Government how you are spending this money io lur1 Iher the objects of the society you ■ can’t expect the Government to give you any more." i Mr. Eggleton expressed the belief ' that, if the society had some definite ' policy for presentation the Govern- • ment would be pleased to help the • work the society was doing. Afnlial’.ou Proposal. A suggest'on that Lhc council should ’ approac.i th n Amateur Swimming Association. witn a view to affiliation was made by Mt. Ingram, who said ’ that the New Zealand Surf Lite-sav-ing Association, 01. which he was secretary, had recently made a cross affiliation with the Swimming Association. Tne Auckland delegate.; said there should be some recognition of the Royal Life-saving Society by the Swi mm in g Ass ocia i i o ri. The secretary (Mr. J. Breward) said that the objects of the Swimming As- ; sociation, as set forth in their rules, provided for the teawung ol life-sav-ing which was the principal object of the Royal Life-saving Society. That, was all right before there was a Royal ; Society in New Zealand, but. he ■ thought the association should now be - asked to delete that rule, especially in view of the fact that, they had 12 months ago recognised the Surf Life- : saving Association—which was really , a subsidiary organisation of the Royal Life-saving Society —as the sole ■ authority controlling their section of . the work. It was decided, on the motion of Mr. Ingram, to approach the Swim- . ming Association on the two questions ’ discussed—affiliation and recognition of the society as the sole authority in 1 ! New Zealand for still-water lifesaving. Officers Elected. The election of officers resulted as follows all being residents of Christchurch except where otherwise stated:—■ Patron, the Governor-General (Lord Galway); vice-patrons, Mr. G. E. Bilson, Dr. T. H. Petit (Auckland), Mr. F. J. Eggleton (Taranaki); president, Mr. G. D. Griffiths; vice-president, Mr. : L. J. W. Clarkson; hon. secretary, Mr. 1 J. Breward: hon. secretary and award i secretary, Mr. F. J. Glackin; hon. auditor, Mr. P. R. Smith; hon. solicitors, Messrs. Johnston, White, and